Satsuma Mikan (JDT Recommends)

Wednesday, December 20, 2017 Updated

Japanese Tangerines

Mikan are Japanese citrus fruits, similar to tangerines or clementines. Japan produces over 250,000 tons of mikan a year, with the majority coming from the island of Shikoku. Mikan are a variety of citrus fruits, ranging from sweet and tangy to more tart and mellow flavors. Shikoku's Ehime Prefecture produces the majority of mikan, as well as many of the varieties. Among the list, Ehime is popular for: Harehime, Kiyomi, Kawachi Bankan, and Haruka mikans. Each has a unique flavor profile depending on acidic contents and size. The mikan are more cold resistant than other citrus fruits, which allow them to thrive and grow in Ehime and the rest of Shikoku. Ehime bases a lot of their exports on mikan, which is why the prefecture's mascot is a mikan known as Mikyan, and you can often find citrus themed-goods or snacks at various gift stores in the prefecture.